The News Editorial: Working to give you news that is 'your right to know'

For 15 years, News Leaders Association and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has sponsored Sunshine Week, an annual nationwide celebration of access to public information and government transparency.

There was a desire to discuss in this space what ways the state and federal government are not as transparent as they should be.

But then the coronavirus hit Wyoming and things were changing fast from the end of last week through the weekend. Our focus in this issue has been trying to provide complete coverage on COVID-19 and its impact on Washakie County residents as you’ll see by the numerous articles throughout this edition. There’s hardly a sector of the community untouched by this virus.

Sunshine Week, March 15-21, which always has the theme of “Your Right To Know,” is a perfect fit for the COVID-19 coverage.

The federal government is getting better at providing accurate information through this although there have been some hiccups when leaders, including President Donald Trump said testing was available when few states had tests.

They have provided daily briefings. Our state government is providing regular briefings with access to reporters across the state. The Wyoming Department of Health appears to be releasing information regarding positive cases as soon as possible, with a notification Monday night at 10 p.m. on seven new cases and one Tuesday afternoon on the state’s 11th case.

Our school officials were accessible Sunday night and working to release information to the media regarding the school closures.

But someone asked earlier this week what we were doing, regarding covering meetings and other activities (that have not been canceled or postponed). We are doing what we always do, if there is a government meeting we will be there. We were there for the special Ten Sleep school board meeting. We were there for the Washakie County commissioners meeting Tuesday and we were there for the Worland City Council meeting Tuesday night.

We will be there Monday night for the Worland school board meeting.

It’s important that you know what our government is doing. It’s your right to know.

We pride ourselves on being your source for news about the government and about your community. While we may only print one day a week, we are working seven days a week to provide you the information you need.

For those who have not followed our website, wyodaily.com, or our Facebook or Twitter feeds we provide breaking news and up-to-date information on the coronavirus or other breaking news throughout the week and weekend.